Democrats Clear Primary Field in Competitive Virginia House Race

Democrats have cleared the primary field in Virginia’s 10th District, one of the party’s top open-seat targets this cycle.

Attorney Richard Bolger announced Friday he is suspending his campaign, paving the way for Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust — who was already the favorite — to earn the Democratic nomination for this Northern Virginia-based seat.

Bolger launched his bid in September, before longtime Republican Rep. Frank R. Wolf announced his retirement and the seat moved toward the top of national Democrats’ wish list.

“When Congressman Wolf retired, the seat became one of the top pick-up opportunities for Democrats in the nation,” Bolger said in a statement. “At this point, it has become clear to me that John Foust is our strongest choice with the best chance of helping our party win this seat and change the direction of Congress.”

GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney carried the district by a slim 1-point margin in 2012, so the district could be competitive for Democrats in the right environment. Republicans remain the slight favorite, though that could change if their preferred candidate doesn’t emerge with the nomination.

Democrats will select their party’s nominee at an April 26 convention. Republicans will vote for a nominee on the same day through a firehouse primary, a state-run election with less than a dozen polling locations.

Virginia’s 10th District is rated Lean Republican by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.